The Power Of A Statement
When Steve Jobs came back to Apple in the late 1990s, the company was unfocused. And, as expected, an unfocused company (feel free to insert the word “church” here) is not as effective as it should be. Lack of focus forces everyone to make up what they think the goals should be for the company (feel free to insert the word “church” here) causing everyone to do their own thing while going in different directions. When Steve Jobs came back to Apple, he brought focus by telling everyone that Apple existed to do one thing:
We create computers that are easy to use.
Talk about a focusing statement! We’re working on some focusing statements for a couple of areas within Browns Bridge’s Ministry Services division right now. Why? Clarity. Measurability. Focus. Winning. Stories.
One area we’re talking about is our Guest Services department. This includes our Parking Team, Host Team, and Information Area Team. Kelly is working overtime on creating a Guest Services culture at Browns Bridge. One part of that culture is taking what has historically been three separate teams and bringing them under one umbrella. A way to help make this happen and bring clarity to their work is to come up with a statement. We may or may not land on this one, but here is where we are right now in crafting it:
We make sure every person is glad they came to church today.
Another area we’re working on is our Facilities department. You might wonder why we’re spending time in this area. After all, it’s just Facilities, right? Wrong. Our Facilities team is just as vital to us accomplishing our vision (leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ) as any other team on our campus. Robbie is leading the charge here to give these guys a narrow focus and a passion for why they do what they do. Like I said earlier, we may or may not land on this one, but here is where we are right now in crafting their statement:
We make every environment and leader better.
Wherever you are a leader…church, home, business, etc…you must have focus if you want to win. One place to start could be a focusing statement. Something simple and memorable. Something that allows you to know at all times whether or not you are winning. It doesn’t take the place of your vision. It helps you focus on how you’re going to achieve it.
Thinking through how this could happen at our church…..we currently only have a welcome center. Creating guest services. Would Kelly be willing to share what she comes up with? We are two months from a launch of a new mission, beginning with preschool and in September monthly worship and next Feb launch mission. We need to get this guest services (since it is part of our DNA) right. Good blog….I subscribe….it is a blessing.
Hey Melissa! Your current set up sounds very typical of most churches. We’re actually right in the middle of our transition here. We would love to share with you whatever we come up with and help you any way we can in the future. As soon as we finalize Kelly and Robbie’s statements, I’ll post them on the blog. And please do email me through the blog if there are other ways we can help. Thanks for reading!